Bicycle helmet fit system expanded connectors

ABSTRACT

A helmet for a head of a user with a liner with an outer shell and an energy management layer having an inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening, at least two coupling points located on the inner surface proximal to the lower edge, at least one flexible forehead strap following the lower edge of the energy management layer and inwardly offset from the inner surface, at least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having a larger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the stem is attached to and projects away from the flexible forehead strap towards the inner surface and the head couples with the inner surface at one of the at least two coupling points, a continuous gap between the inner surface and the flexible forehead strap extending around an entirety of the lower edge.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/686,610, filed Jun. 18, 2018, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document generally relate to a helmet, more particularlyto a bicycle helmet having a continuous gap that allows airflow over theuser's head and thus reduces heat build-up and retention.

BACKGROUND

A physical impact to the head of a person may cause serious injury ordeath. To reduce the probability of such consequences, protective gear,such as a helmet, is often used in activities that are associated withan increased level of risk for a head injury. Examples of suchactivities include, but are not limited to, skiing, snowboarding,bicycling, rollerblading, rock climbing, skate boarding, andmotorcycling. In general, a helmet is designed to maintain itsstructural integrity and stay secured to the head of a user during animpact.

Accordingly, a bicycle helmet is designed to protect the user's head,including by absorbing and dissipating energy during an impact with asurface such as the ground. In this regard, most bicycle helmets aredesigned only to withstand a single major impact, and to thereafter bereplaced with a new helmet. Bicycle helmet interiors include energymanagement materials such as an arrangement of padding and/or foam,wherein the energy management materials cover and contact a significantextent of the user's head. In this manner, the energy managementmaterials directly or intimately contact the user's head. However, thisarrangement can result in undesirable heat build-up and/or heatretention when the helmet is worn during the sporting activity. The heatbuild-up and/or heat retention is exacerbated in a variety ofconditions, such as when the cyclist is participating in a race ortraining session in a warm environment.

Some bicycle helmets seek to reduce heat retention by providing openingsand channels in the helmet shell and the energy management materials.The openings and channels are configured to promote air movement overportions of the user's head. For example, one conventional helmetincludes a front inlet formed in the helmet shell and configured toprovide for flow of inlet air onto and over the user's forehead.Channels are provided over and around a crown area of the head, and arear port communicating with the channels discharges air flow suppliedby the front inlet through the channels while the user moves in aforward direction relative to the ground. However, the energy managementmaterial of this conventional helmet directly contacts the user's head.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the disclosure relates to a helmet for protecting the headof a user that may comprise at least one liner comprising an outer shelland an energy management layer, the energy management layer comprisingan inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at ahelmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer, at leasttwo coupling points located on the inner surface proximal to the loweredge, at least one flexible forehead strap following the lower edge ofthe energy management layer and inwardly offset from the inner surface,at least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having alarger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the stemis attached to and projects away from the flexible forehead straptowards the inner surface and the head couples with the inner surface atone of the at least two coupling points, a continuous gap between theinner surface and the flexible forehead strap extending around anentirety of the lower edge, and an adjustable connector coupled to eachend of the at least one flexible forehead strap and capable of adjustinga perimeter of the flexible forehead strap, wherein the adjustableconnector comprises a knob that decreases the perimeter when rotated ina first direction and increases the perimeter when rotated in a seconddirection different from the first direction.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The at least two coupling points may each comprise a holewherein a length of the stem is greater than a depth of the hole and thestem is slidably coupled within the hole. A first of the at least twocoupling points may be located in a right front portion of the innersurface and a second of the at least two coupling points being locatedin a left front portion of the inner surface. The at least two couplingpoints may comprise two pairs of coupling points, a first pair ofcoupling points located in a right front portion of the inner liner anda second pair of coupling points located in a left front portion of theinner liner; and wherein the at least two prongs comprises two pairs ofprongs located on the flexible forehead strap and positioned to couplewith the two pairs of coupling points. The continuous gap may have awidth measuring within a range of 1/16 inches to ¼ inches.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a helmet for protecting thehead of a user may comprise at least one liner comprising an outer shelland an energy management layer, the energy management layer comprisingan inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at ahelmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer, at leasttwo coupling points located on the inner surface adjacent the loweredge, at least one flexible forehead strap following the lower edge ofthe energy management layer, inwardly offset from the inner surface, andcoupled to the inner surface at the coupling points, a coupling pointgap separating the inner surface from the flexible forehead strap ateach coupling point, the coupling point gap having a width measuring atleast 1/16 inch, and an adjustable connector coupled to the at least oneflexible forehead strap and capable of adjusting a perimeter of theflexible forehead strap.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The at least two coupling points may each comprise a holewherein the stem is slidably coupled with the hole and a portion of thestem is configured to remain outside of the hole. A first of the atleast two coupling points may be located in a right front portion of theinner surface and a second of the at least two coupling points beinglocated in a left front portion of the inner surface. The flexibleforehead strap may comprise at least two prongs comprising a stem and ahead, the head having a larger cross-section than a cross-section of thestem, wherein the stem is attached to and projects away from theflexible forehead strap towards the inner surface and the head coupleswith the inner surface at one of the at least two coupling points. Eachcoupling point may be configured to receive a pair of prongs and the atleast two prongs comprise at least two pairs of prongs, located on theflexible forehead strap and positioned to couple with the first andsecond coupling points. The coupling point gap may have a widthmeasuring ¼ inch or less. The adjustable connector may comprise a knobthat decreases the perimeter when adjusted in a first direction andincreases the perimeter when adjusted in a second direction differentfrom the first direction.

According to an aspect, a helmet for protecting the head of a user maycomprise at least one helmet liner comprising an outer shell and anenergy management layer, the energy management layer comprising an innersurface and a lower edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmetopening configured to receive a head of a helmet wearer, at least twocoupling points located on the inner surface proximal to the lower edge,at least one flexible forehead strap following the lower edge of theenergy management layer, inwardly offset from the inner surface, andcoupled to the inner surface at the coupling points, and a continuousgap between the inner surface and the flexible forehead strap at each ofthe at least two coupling points.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The at least two coupling points may each comprise a holewherein a length of the stem is greater than a depth of the hole and aportion of the length of the stem is configured to remain outside of thehole. A coupling point gap separating the inner surface from theflexible forehead strap at each coupling point, the coupling point gaphaving a width measuring at least 1/16 inch. A first of the at least twocoupling points may be located in a right front portion of the innersurface proximal to the lower edge and a second of the at least twocoupling points being located in a left front portion of the innersurface proximal to the lower edge, wherein the at least two couplingpoints are proximal to a helmet wearer's head temples when in use. Atleast two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having a largercross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the stem isattached to and projects away from the flexible forehead strap towardsthe inner surface and the head couples with the inner surface at one ofthe at least two coupling points. Each coupling point may be capable ofreceiving a pair of prongs and the at least two prongs comprises atleast two pairs of prongs, located on the flexible forehead strap andpositioned to couple with the first and second coupling points. Thecontinuous gap having a width measuring within a range of 1/16 inches to¼ inches. An adjustable connector coupled to the at least one flexibleforehead strap and capable of adjusting a perimeter of the flexibleforehead strap.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fullyaware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. Theinventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only theplain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claimsunless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly setforth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differsfrom the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements ofintent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent anddesire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms beapplied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, such noun, term, orphrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms,or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of Englishgrammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, ormodifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be giventheir plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶16. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§ 112, ¶16, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶16 are sought to be invoked to define theinventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exactphrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word“function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of[insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases anystructure, material, or acts in support of the function. Thus, even whenthe claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . .” or“step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also reciteany structure, material, or acts in support of that means or step, or toperform the recited function, it is the clear intention of the inventorsnot to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶16. Moreover, even ifthe provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶16, are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material, or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,material, or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms in the disclosure, or that arewell-known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material,or acts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDETAILED DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bicyclist wearing a bicycle helmet;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a prior art helmet showing the coupling pointwhere the forehead strap is in contact with the inner liner;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an embodiment of a bicycle helmet with a fitsystem and internal ventilation system;

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an embodiment of a bicycle helmet with a fitsystem and internal ventilation system;

FIG. 4B is a close-up view of a portion of the helmet of FIG. 4Asurrounding the connectors;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a portion of the helmet of FIG. 4A with theforehead strap and fit system removed to show the connector receivers;

FIG. 6A is a front view of a forehead strap of a fit system;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the forehead strap of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing the helmet of FIG. 3 in partialsection and secured to the head of a user showing airflow through thehelmet.

While the present disclosure will be described in connection with thepreferred embodiments shown herein, it will be understood that it is notintended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments. On the contrary,it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents, as may be included within the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the disclosure with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

In the Figures, and referring initially to FIG. 1, a user 2 is shownriding a bicycle 4 and wearing a bicycle helmet 10 configured accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed further below,when the user 2 pedals the bicycle 4 and travels in a forward direction,air flows through the helmet 10 and over the user's head 6, therebycooling the user's head 6.

FIG. 2 illustrates a helmet 8 having a liner comprising an outer shell22 and an energy management layer 24, a flexible forehead strap 14, anadjustable connector 18, and a chinstrap 20. In this example, althoughthere is a gap 9 at the front of the helmet between the flexibleforehead strap 14 and the energy management layer 24, at the pointswhere the flexible forehead strap 14 is coupled to the energy managementlayer 24, it is securely and closely coupled without a gap between theflexible forehead strap 14 and the energy management layer 24. Thisnon-gapped connection restricts some of the air flow through the helmetand the fit system.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an embodiment of a bicycle helmet 10 including aliner 12, a flexible forehead strap 14, a continuous gap 16, anadjustable connector 18, and a chinstrap 20. In some embodiments theliner 12 comprises an outer shell 22 and an energy management layer 24.In some embodiments, only the energy management layer 24 is used. Theouter shell 22 may comprise a plastic material, such as polycarbonate;however, in other embodiments, the outer shell 22 may also oralternatively comprise KEVLAR, ABS plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass,and the like. In some embodiments, the energy management layer 24comprises expanded polystyrene (“EPS”). In other embodiments, the energymanagement layer 24 may also, or alternatively, comprise expandedpolypropylene (“EPP”) or other energy management or energy absorbingmaterials. The chinstrap 20 includes connectable segments which may beattached to one or both of the outer shell 22 and the energy managementlayer 24 for securing the helmet 10 to the user's head 6, as generallyknown in the art. The energy management layer 24 includes an innersurface 40 which has a front portion 26 that overlies the user'sforehead with a right front portion 28 on the right and a left frontportion 30 on the left, a top portion 32 that overlies the crown regionof the user's head 6, and a rear portion 34 that overlies at least aportion of the occipital region of the user's head.

The helmet 10 embodiments of FIGS. 1-4A are commonly recognized in thecycling field as “road” helmets and are designed for general use duringrecreational and certain types of competitive cycling. It should beappreciated that the principles and teachings discussed herein areequally applicable to other types of bicycle helmets, such as a“sprinter” helmet, an “aero” helmet, and any other helmets that includean adjustable fit system inside the helmet. As understood by those inthe art, a sprinter helmet is designed to be more aerodynamic than atypical road helmet, and as such has a more smoothly contoured outershell 22 and fewer ventilation openings 36. As also understood by thosein the art, an aero helmet is designed to be even more aerodynamic,having a substantially streamlined shape that resembles a “tear-drop”configuration. Aero helmets are also configured to have as fewventilation openings 36 as possible, and in many cases have noventilation openings 36 whatsoever. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the benefits and advantages associated with the concepts andteachings discussed herein may become more apparent to the user as thenumber of ventilation openings 36 in the helmet 10 decrease.

Referring also to FIGS. 3-5, the helmet 10 includes at least oneflexible forehead strap 14 that extends around a lower edge 38 of theenergy management layer 24 and adjustably contacts the user's head 6 tosupport the helmet 10 while defining a continuous gap 16 between theuser's head 6 and an inner surface 40 of the energy management layer 24.In some embodiments, flexible forehead straps 14 also extend over theuser's head 6 from the user's forehead region over the crown region andto the occipital region. In such embodiments, the continuous gap 16 mayalso extend across the outer surface of the user's head 6 from theuser's forehead region over the crown region and to the occipital region(see FIG. 7 for example).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-6B, the flexible forehead strap 14 includes atleast two or more prongs 42 extending from an outer surface of theflexible forehead strap 14 for coupling into corresponding couplingpoints 48 on the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer 24. Thetwo or more prongs 42 are elongated when compared with prongs fromprevious helmets (for example that shown in FIG. 2), thus extending theconnecting junction between the flexible forehead strap 14 and theenergy management layer 24 and creating a continuous gap 16 between theflexible forehead strap 14 and the inner surface 40 of the energymanagement layer 24. Each prong 42 extends outward, away from theflexible forehead strap 14 and may include a stem 44 and a head 46. Thestem 44 includes a length “L” long enough to span the continuous gap 16and allow the head 46 to couple with a corresponding coupling point 48on the inner surface 40 of the energy management layer 24. The couplingpoints 48 may be receivers comprising a flexible entrance 49 that allowsthe head 46, when force is applied, to pass through the flexibleentrance 49 to the receivers and restrict its flexible entrance 49 sizeto smaller than the largest dimension of the head 46 after the head 46has passed through the flexible entrance 49 into the receiver. Thecoupling points 48 may be in-molded into the energy management materialwhen the energy management material is formed, or added thereafter usingmethods known in the art. The head 46 of the prong 42 may be formed in avariety of shapes. As shown in FIG. 5, the prong 42 may have amushroom-shaped head 46 which is capable of snapping into the couplingpoint 48. Alternatively, the head 46 may be T-shaped or any other shape,and may couple with the coupling point 48 in a variety of ways, such asthrough the use of adhesives, clips, clamps, snaps, hook and loop, orother types of fasteners. In some embodiments, the inside of theconnection points 48 are deeper than the largest dimension of the head46 so that when the head 46 is received in the connection point 48, thehead 46 can still move within the connection point 48 to allow for anadaptable continuous gap 16 that further helps to adapt the fit systemmore comfortably to a wearer's head shape and dimensions by allowing foradditional movement between the fit system and the inner surface 40 ofthe energy management layer 24.

Each of the flexible forehead straps 14 may have a pair of rails 50intermittently joined by transverse ribs 52. The rails 50 and the ribs52 cooperate to define a plurality of ventilation apertures 54 in theflexible forehead straps 14 in the form of generally elongated slots 56.The ventilation apertures 54 can further improve the ventilatingcharacteristics of the flexible forehead straps 14 by minimizing thetotal surface area of the flexible forehead straps 14 that is inintimate contact with the user's head 6. Alternatively the flexibleforehead straps 14 may be configured with a single rail 50 thatprecludes the apertures 54. Some embodiments of the flexible foreheadstraps 14 are formed of a substantially rigid but flexible material,such as rubber, plastic, carbon fiber, and the like. The flexibleforehead straps 14 may also include an additional material, such as acoating or additional comfort padding, to facilitate engagement with theuser's head 6.

When the helmet 10 is properly worn, the flexible forehead strap 14extends laterally from the user's forehead, around the sides of theuser's head 6, passing approximately over the user's temples 64 (FIGS. 1and 7), and into the adjustable connector 18 (FIGS. 3 and 6A). In someembodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, theadjustable connector 18 is configured for direct engagement with theuser's head 6 and includes an actuator 58 (such as a dial, knob, orother adjustor that reels in or pays out the ends 60 of the flexibleforehead strap 14) to adjust the perimeter of the flexible foreheadstrap 14. For example, by reeling in the ends 60 of the flexibleforehead strap 14, the flexible forehead strap 14 is tightened againstthe user's head 6, whereas by paying out the ends 60 of the flexibleforehead strap 14, the flexible forehead strap 14 is loosened from theuser's head 6. In this regard, the flexible forehead strap 14 isadjustable to account for the size of the user's head 6. It should beunderstood that use and incorporation of the adjustable connector 18with the flexible forehead strap 14 is not required. For example, insome embodiments, the flexible forehead strap 14 may be of asubstantially fixed size and configuration, wherein such variations inthe size or shape of a user's head may be accommodated by theflexibility of the materials of the forehead strap 14. Some embodimentsmay also or alternatively include fit adjusting components or structuredistinct from the flexible forehead strap 14. For example, in oneexemplary embodiment, the ends 60 of the flexible forehead strap 14terminate near the rear portion 34 of the energy management layer 24,and a separate strap, band, or similar structure may be provided thatextends generally around the rear occipital region of the user's head 6.The strap, band, or similar structure may be formed of a resilientmaterial, such as elastic, and may therefore be inherently adjustable,or the strap, band or similar structure may be operably connected to anadjustable connector similar to the adjustable connector 18 discussedabove.

Referring specifically to FIG. 4A, in particular embodiments, thecontinuous gap 16 extends around the entirety of the lower edge 38 ofthe energy management layer 24, defined on either side by the innersurface 40 of the energy management layer 24 and the flexible foreheadstrap 14. In particular embodiments, the continuous gap 16 is maintainedat least for the front half of the helmet. In some embodiments, thecontinuous gap measures between 1/16 inches and ¼ inches. The prongs 42are elongated (FIG. 3) as compared to conventional prongs (see FIG. 2),allowing some movement of the helmet 10 in relation to the adjustableconnector 18 and the user's head 6. Because the stem 44 of each prong 42is thinner than the flexible entrance 49, and the connection points 48in the helmet 10 are deeper than the size of the prong head 46, the gap16 is a flexible gap that can extend to its maximum size, or cancollapse to a smaller size if necessary, allowing the helmet 10 to“float” in relation to the flexible forehead strap 14 and allow thehelmet's adjustable connector 18 to better adapt to particular headshapes and sizes. When the helmet 10 is worn, the flexible foreheadstrap 14 intimately contacts the user's head 6, while the inner surface40 of the helmet 10 is spaced away from the user's head 6 to form thecontinuous gap 16.

The continuous gap 16 includes a coupling point gap 62 which is locatedat each coupling point 48. Specifically, the continuous gap 16 is notblocked at each coupling point 48 by the coupling of the flexibleforehead strap 14 to the inner surface 40, but rather remains open, asshown. This allows the airflow to enter the gap 16 at any location alongthe lower edge 38 of the energy management layer 24 without restraint.

Referring to FIG. 5, the energy management layer 24 includes at leastone coupling point 48 on each side of the front of the helmet, and inparticular embodiments two coupling points 48 on each side, locatedproximal to a lower edge 38 of the energy management layer 24. In theillustrated embodiment, the coupling points 48 are located approximatelyone-quarter to one-third of the helmet periphery from the front center26 of the energy management layer 24, with at least one coupling point48 located on each side of the helmet 10. Alternatively, the couplingpoints 48 may be located anywhere along the lower edge 38 of the energymanagement layer 24, and additional coupling points 48 may also belocated anywhere on the inner surface 40. In some embodiments, includingthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the coupling points 48 areintegrally formed with the energy management layer 24, and aresubstantially flush with the inner surface 40 of the helmet 10. Theelongated prongs 42 maintain the continuous gap 16 by keeping theflexible forehead strap 14 further inward than the inner surface 40.Other embodiments may include coupling points 48 in the form of raisedprojections that extend generally inwardly, and standoffs, posts,spacers, and the like that are joined to the energy management layer 24.In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible forehead straps 14 aresecured to the coupling points 48 with the prongs 42. However, in otherembodiments the flexible forehead strap 14 can be secured to thecoupling points 42 by clips, clamps, snaps, hook and loop, and othertypes of fasteners.

Referring to FIG. 7, the continuous gap 16 allows air to enter betweenthe energy management layer 24 and the user's head 6. With the innersurface 40 of the energy management layer 24 spaced apart from theuser's head 6, ventilating air can flow through the continuous gap 16and between the user's head 6 and the inner surface 40. This continuousgap 16 is provided in helmets having several ventilation openings 36 andalso is provided in helmets having few or no ventilation openings 36,such as the sprinter and aero helmets discussed above. Heat build-up andretention inside of the helmet may thus be reduced.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A helmet for protecting the head of a user, the helmet comprising: atleast one liner comprising an outer shell and an energy managementlayer, the energy management layer comprising an inner surface and alower edge surrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening configuredto receive a head of a helmet wearer; at least two coupling pointslocated on the inner surface proximal to the lower edge; at least oneflexible forehead strap following the lower edge of the energymanagement layer and inwardly offset from the inner surface; at leasttwo prongs comprising a stem and a head, the head having a largercross-section than a cross-section of the stem, wherein the stem isattached to and projects away from the flexible forehead strap towardsthe inner surface and the head couples with the inner surface at one ofthe at least two coupling points; a continuous gap between the innersurface and the flexible forehead strap extending around an entirety ofthe lower edge; and an adjustable connector coupled to each end of theat least one flexible forehead strap and capable of adjusting aperimeter of the flexible forehead strap, wherein the adjustableconnector comprises a knob that decreases the perimeter when rotated ina first direction and increases the perimeter when rotated in a seconddirection different from the first direction.
 2. The helmet of claim 1,the at least two coupling points each comprising a hole wherein a lengthof the stem is greater than a depth of the hole and the stem is slidablycoupled within the hole.
 3. The helmet of claim 1, a first of the atleast two coupling points being located in a right front portion of theinner surface and a second of the at least two coupling points beinglocated in a left front portion of the inner surface.
 4. The helmet ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two coupling points comprises two pairs ofcoupling points, a first pair of coupling points located in a rightfront portion of the inner liner and a second pair of coupling pointslocated in a left front portion of the inner liner; and wherein the atleast two prongs comprises two pairs of prongs located on the flexibleforehead strap and positioned to couple with the two pairs of couplingpoints.
 5. The helmet of claim 1, the continuous gap having a widthmeasuring within a range of 1/16 inches to ¼ inches.
 6. A helmet forprotecting the head of a user, the helmet comprising: at least one linercomprising an outer shell and an energy management layer, the energymanagement layer comprising an inner surface and a lower edgesurrounding the inner surface at a helmet opening configured to receivea head of a helmet wearer; at least two coupling points located on theinner surface adjacent the lower edge; at least one flexible foreheadstrap following the lower edge of the energy management layer, inwardlyoffset from the inner surface, and coupled to the inner surface at thecoupling points; a coupling point gap separating the inner surface fromthe flexible forehead strap at each coupling point, the coupling pointgap having a width measuring at least 1/16 inch; and an adjustableconnector coupled to the at least one flexible forehead strap andcapable of adjusting a perimeter of the flexible forehead strap.
 7. Thehelmet of claim 6, the at least two coupling points each comprising ahole wherein the stem is slidably coupled with the hole and a portion ofthe stem is configured to remain outside of the hole.
 8. The helmet ofclaim 6, a first of the at least two coupling points being located in aright front portion of the inner surface and a second of the at leasttwo coupling points being located in a left front portion of the innersurface.
 9. The helmet of claim 8, the flexible forehead strapcomprising at least two prongs comprising a stem and a head, the headhaving a larger cross-section than a cross-section of the stem, whereinthe stem is attached to and projects away from the flexible foreheadstrap towards the inner surface and the head couples with the innersurface at one of the at least two coupling points.
 10. The helmet ofclaim 9, wherein each coupling point is configured to receive a pair ofprongs and the at least two prongs comprise at least two pairs ofprongs, located on the flexible forehead strap and positioned to couplewith the first and second coupling points.
 11. The helmet of claim 6,the coupling point gap having a width measuring ¼ inch or less.
 12. Thehelmet of claim 6, wherein the adjustable connector comprises a knobthat decreases the perimeter when adjusted in a first direction andincreases the perimeter when adjusted in a second direction differentfrom the first direction.
 13. A helmet for protecting the head of auser, the helmet comprising: at least one helmet liner comprising anouter shell and an energy management layer, the energy management layercomprising an inner surface and a lower edge surrounding the innersurface at a helmet opening configured to receive a head of a helmetwearer; at least two coupling points located on the inner surfaceproximal to the lower edge; at least one flexible forehead strapfollowing the lower edge of the energy management layer, inwardly offsetfrom the inner surface, and coupled to the inner surface at the couplingpoints; and a continuous gap between the inner surface and the flexibleforehead strap at each of the at least two coupling points.
 14. Thehelmet of claim 13, the at least two coupling points each comprising ahole wherein a length of the stem is greater than a depth of the holeand a portion of the length of the stem is configured to remain outsideof the hole.
 15. The helmet of claim 13, further comprising a couplingpoint gap separating the inner surface from the flexible forehead strapat each coupling point, the coupling point gap having a width measuringat least 1/16 inch.
 16. The helmet of claim 15, a first of the at leasttwo coupling points being located in a right front portion of the innersurface proximal to the lower edge and a second of the at least twocoupling points being located in a left front portion of the innersurface proximal to the lower edge, wherein the at least two couplingpoints are proximal to a helmet wearer's head temples when in use. 17.The helmet of claim 16, further comprising at least two prongscomprising a stem and a head, the head having a larger cross-sectionthan a cross-section of the stem, wherein the stem is attached to andprojects away from the flexible forehead strap towards the inner surfaceand the head couples with the inner surface at one of the at least twocoupling points.
 18. The helmet of claim 17, wherein each coupling pointis capable of receiving a pair of prongs and the at least two prongscomprises at least two pairs of prongs, located on the flexible foreheadstrap and positioned to couple with the first and second couplingpoints.
 19. The helmet of claim 13, the continuous gap having a widthmeasuring within a range of 1/16 inches to ¼ inches.
 20. The helmet ofclaim 13, further comprising an adjustable connector coupled to the atleast one flexible forehead strap and capable of adjusting a perimeterof the flexible forehead strap.